Nike Sues MSCHF and Rapper Lil Nas X Over “Satan Shoes”
Nike has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against MSCHF for releasing a controversial customized version of its sneakers in collaboration with rapper Montero Lamar Hill, professionally known as Lil Nas X.
MSCHF, a company known for creating controversial and viral products, partnered Lil Nas to release “Satan Shoes”, a modified version of Nike Air Max 97s — decorated with a pentagram pendant and a reference to Luke 10:18, a Bible verse about Satan’s fall from heaven as they also confirmed Sunday that the shoes contained a drop of human blood inside the sole, drawn from members of the MSCHF team.
According to reports, all 666 pairs of the modified Nikes, priced at $1,018, sold out shortly after they went on sale and people believed Nike was involved with the shoes even though they released a statement saying it had nothing to do with them and have further gone ahead to file a lawsuit.
“However, we can tell you we do not have a relationship with Lil Nas X or MSCHF.”
The lawsuit argues that Nike must maintain control over its brand “by setting the record straight” about what products bear its distinctive “swoosh” logo.
“In fact, there is already evidence of significant confusion and dilution occurring in the marketplace, including calls to boycott Nike in response to the launch of MSCHF’s Satan Shoes based on the mistaken belief that Nike has authorized or approved this product,” the lawsuit says.
In a statement after the complaint was filed, Nike reiterated that it is in no way affiliated with the Satan Shoes.
“We don’t have any further details to share on pending legal matters,” Nike said.
Lil Nas X tweeted about the news with a short clip from the cartoon “SpongeBob SquarePants,” in which a character says: “I was just kidding. … You guys know I was just kidding, right?”
The release of the Satan Shoes coincides with Lil Nas X’s latest single, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” and its accompanying music video. In the video, Lil Nas X is seduced out of what appears to be the Garden of Eden, falls into hell and gives the devil a lap dance.
